Bullmastiff

Bullmastiff breed Group

Working

Size of the Bullmastiff

Large

Country of origin

Great Britain

Bullmastiff temperament

The Bullmastiff is a loyal, brave and level-headed dog. It tends to be good around children, but unsuitable for families with smaller children. It is a friendly dog around the home and makes an excellent guard dog. The breed needs dedicated training and socilisation from an early age, to prevent the Bullmastiff trying to assume pack leader. The Bullmastiff requires a confident and experienced handler. Contact with other smaller pets should be avoided. As with all larger dog breeds, vigorous exercise and excessive jumping should be avoided in the first year to prevent damage to joints.

Colour varieties of the Bullmastiff

The bullmastiff comes in a variety of colours and markings including:

• Brindle
• Brindle With Black Muzzle
• Fawn
• Fawn With Black Muzzle
• Red
• Red With Black Muzzle

Size and weight of the Bullmastiff

Height 64-69cms (25-27ins)

Weight 41-59 kgs (90-130lbs)

Exercise requirements of the Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a very athletic dog breed that requires around 2 hours of exercise every day.

Is the Bullmastiff a good dog for a first time dog owner?

No, the Bullmastiff requires an owner with a good understanding of dogs and experience handling large dogs. New owners should also be aware of the high levels of exercise and the mental stimulation this breed requires. The large Bullmastiff may also be an impractical size for many family homes.

Bullmastiff coat length

Short. The coat sits close to the body.

Grooming requirements of the Bullmastiff

Grooming is minimal as the coat is short. A weekly buff with a chamois leather will keep the coat shiny and healthy. Ears should be checked and cleaned regularly.

Hypoallergenic?

No. The Bullmastiff sheds throughout the year, making it an unsuitable choice of dog breed for allergy sufferers.

Health issues in the Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a healthy and hardy dog, but owners should consult their breeder about the following health issues that have been found in the breed:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Bloat
• Entropion

As with all pedigree dogs, it is very important to obtain a puppy from a reputable source where you can be guaranteed that it has been bred with a view to avoiding the inherent physical and psychological diseases of the breed.

Average lifespan of the Bullmastiff

A healthy Bullmastiff should expect to enjoy a life expectancy of between 10-12 years.

Approximate Bullmastiff pedigree puppy price

Expect to pay from £1,000 for a pedigree Bullmastiff puppy. There were 518 bullmastiff puppies registered with the Kennel Club in 2015.

Estimating how much a Bullmastiff would need to be fed each day

A bitch or dog weighing 40kgs will require around 435gms of complete dry food daily. A bitch or dog weighing 30kgs will cost around £11.50 per week to feed.

Our figures are based on feeding an ‘above average quality’ and popular complete dry food bought from a leading supermarket.

Other financial costs to consider when owning any dog breed

Remember to budget for essential pet treatments and procedures that are not covered by pet insurance policies including:

• Worming and fleas preparations
• Annual Vaccination boosters
• Neutering or spaying
• Microchipping
• Dental treatment